Little Known Fact

Gopher Snake This snake would probably be killed because it seems harmful, yet it is a non-poisonous snake. It helps reduce the amount of rodents that fester around.  Click here to learn more about snakes

If you were going for a walk in the bushes one day, with a machete in hand (for protection) and you encounter a snake in your path, what would you do?... Kill it right!?! With what? The machete in your hand. Well, recently I learned that is the wrong thing to do if you are in the wrong position, especially if it is poisonous. The first half with the head has a high possibility of jerking forward and biting you. If it is poisonous the venom will still release. The best thing to do is let the snake go, because it is more scared of you than you are of it (no matter how scared you may be). If it is poisonous you can crush the head with the handle of the machete and break its back bone so it doesn't try to come forward to you. Cut it when it seems to be dead (just to make sure). And yes snakes have bones. Only try to kill it if you are in a life-threatening situation. It could be more dangerous for you to kill it than to just let it go on its way.

I did some research before I shared this information. According to MedlinePlus, "Be careful with the head...a snake can actually bite for up to an hour after it's dead (from a reflex)." I really don't want to ever have to test this fact for myself. I do write this for those traveling to the interior of Suriname or just your backyard to let you know how to handle a snake if there is a life-threatening situation that may cause you to kill it.

Staying away from snakes...